MetroRiderLA

PublicRoutes offers an alternative to the Metro Trip Planner. But is it better?

Matt Barrett, the Metro librarian, has discovered what may very well turn out to be the ultimate alternative to the Metro Trip Planner, at least until Google Transit includes Los Angeles.

PublicRoutes is a new web service that offers online directions for any mode of transportation, be it bus, subway, train, ferry, tram, walking, driving, etc. Cities currently supported are Chicago, Dallas, NYC, Philadelphia, and of course, Los Angeles. Mark Sellouk, CEO of PublicRoutes.com, says of his service:

“The Los Angeles area has always been plagued with tremendous traffic and public transportation represents an easy, efficient alternative for saving time and money…What we provide at PublicRoutes.com is a single source to help anyone – tourists, residents, commuters – determine the fastest and most accurate way to get where they’re going by car, bus, rail, or walking. All a person needs to do is have a destination in mind and PublicRoutes.com will take care of the rest.”

Does PublicRoutes live up to the PR, and more importantly, does it push the Metro Trip Planner into obsolescence?

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Illustration from Metro

It looks like Metro may have given up on the idea for a free transit week, and instead opted for a discounted transit week. From February 18th to the 24th, Metro will be offering chance to “try the best for less” with discounted “test rides” on the following 18 bus routes, all available for a measly 50¢:

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Exposition Right-of-Way Through Cheviot Hills.
Photo Courtesy of: lightrailforcheviot.org

A few days ago Wad reported that the Cheviot Hills Homeowner Association is rallying together to fight the Exposition Line use of a right-of-way at the south end of their neighborhood, preferring instead to re-route the train to Venice Blvd. at a cost of $50 to $100 million.

In a dazzling showcase of NIMBY rebellion, a small faction of Cheviot Hills IMBY’s have launched LightRailForCheviot.org to inform the world that not all Cheviot Hills Homeowners are scared of mobility:

We want mobility – mobility not involving cars, driving, and parking – mobility that will raise property values in Cheviot Hills as gridlock worsens.

This combined with Beverly Hills newfound desire for a subway in their neighborhood may be signaling a new era IMBYism where affluent homeowners cry out for development in their backyards that will keep their precious property values from falling the the face of ever increasing automobile traffic.

Sometimes naughty bus riders get yelled at.
Crying baby image courtesy of dawnhops via Flickr.
Remixed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.

Today I discovered that riding a Metro bus can make you feel 20 years younger.

How can riding on a rickety, dirty, scrachiti-covered bus make a 26-year-old man feel like a 6-year-old boy you ask? The answer is quite simple:

When a Metro bus driver scolds you like a child, it’s easy to feel emotions you haven’t felt since kindergarten.

The whole sad stowy after the jump…
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Sorry for the lack of updates recently, I’ve been absolutely swamped beyond healthy levels and simply have not had the time to contribute or take care of some of the more nefarious things happening to the layout. So much for keeping New Year’s resolutions. But I digress…

Damien Goodmon, creator of the now famous (at least amongst transit advocates and Los Angeles blogosphere readers) $40 billion hypothetical rail transit map for Los Angeles is launching a new plan and website called “Get LA Moving“. He, in conjunction with the Transit Coalition, is having a public presentation tonight at the Transit Coalition’s monthly meeting at Philippe’s downtown.

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The Bishop Coffee Shop & Gourmet. Photo from Hope E. via Yelp!

Here’s a quick roundup of some of my favorite 5-star reviews thus far from the MetroRiderLA Yelpcast:

• Hollywood: Natalie Peruvian Seafood Restaurant
• Long Beach: George’s Greek Cafe
• Downtown: The Bishop Coffee & Gourmet
• Mid-City West: The French Crepe Company

Do yourself a favor and check out these reviews, and then hop on a bus or train and get your ass to these 5-star establishments, transit directions are included in each review! Let us know what you think!

Oh and remember, if you’d like to add your own reviews to the MetroRiderLA Yelpcast, just email me. The more comprehensive our Yelpcast, the better for everyone.